Evidence suggests that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans) communities have lower uptake of cancer screenings than the general population. Not attending cancer screenings may lead to later diagnosis of cancer, worse health outcomes and poorer experiences. It’s important that you are aware of the risks and benefits of screening for you as an individual.
There is no reliable evidence to suggest that trans and non-binary people are at an increased risk of cancer compared to cisgender people. However, there are some things which might affect your risk of certain cancers and the types of screenings that are recommended, including the sex that you were assigned at birth, hormones, and surgeries you may have had.
Cervical cancer and screening
The cervix is inside the body at the top of the vagina, which joins to the bottom of the womb. Cervical screening is for anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64. This can include the following people provided they have not had an operation to remove their womb and cervix (full hysterectomy):
- cisgender women
- trans men
- non-binary people who were assigned female at birth
- and some intersex people
Cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people
Currently, only people who are registered as female with their GP surgery or clinic are automatically invited for cervical screening. If have a cervix and are registered as male, aged between 25 and 64, you can:
- ask your GP surgery to send you invites directly – they may be able to add a reminder to your medical record
- put a reminder in your phone or calendar to ask for an appointment every 3 or 5 years, depending on your age and where you live
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust have more information about cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people here.
Cervical screening for lesbian and bi women
There is a misconception that women who only have sex with women do not need to attend screening tests. Any sexual activity can pass on the HPV virus. Lesbian and bi women who have a cervix aged between 25 to 64 should attend cervical screening.
If you have any worries or concerns about the appointment, you can speak with a healthcare professional beforehand to discuss ways to ease any discomfort.
Breast cancer and screening
We use the term ‘breast’ here where we need to be clinically accurate, but you might not use that term and that’s fine. Everyone has breast tissue and people of all genders can get breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening is for anyone between the ages of 50 and 70 who has significant breast tissue. This includes most:
- cisgender women who have not had an operation to remove the breast tissue (bilateral mastectomy)
- trans men and non-binary people who have not had an operation to remove breast tissue (bilateral mastectomy)
- trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth who have taken feminising hormones
- and some intersex people
Currently, only people who are registered as female with their GP surgery or clinic are automatically invited for cervical screening. If you are registered as male and would like to take part in screening, you can speak with your GP surgery to book an appointment.
You can also find some information for trans and non-binary people about breast cancer and self-checking from Coppa Feel here.
Prostate cancer
The prostate is a gland that sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine (wee) out of the body. People who have a prostate include most:
- cisgender men
- trans women
- non-binary people who were assigned male at birth
- and some intersex people
Trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth can still get prostate cancer, so it’s important that you are tested if you show any symptoms. You can find out more about the symptoms, tests and treatments for prostate cancer here. There’s currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK.
Prostate Cancer UK have some specific information for trans women on prostate cancer here.
Further information for trans and non-binary people
If you have questions about cancer screenings, you can speak with your GP who will be able to offer you some advice. Cancer Research UK also have lots of information about cancer screenings for trans and non-binary people here.
